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U.S. Tariffs Threaten Global Chip Supply, Prices Surge

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. government may impose tariffs on foreign memory chip manufacturers, potentially worsening shortages and raising prices globally.
At a ceremony for Micron Technology's $100 billion factory in New York, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said chipmakers must pay a 100% tariff or manufacture in the United States.
Major players such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are focusing on high-end memory production for artificial intelligence, limiting consumer DRAM supply.

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Story summary

The U.S. government may impose tariffs on foreign memory chip manufacturers, potentially worsening shortages and raising prices globally.
At a ceremony for Micron Technology's $100 billion factory in New York, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said chipmakers must pay a 100% tariff or manufacture in the United States.
Major players such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are focusing on high-end memory production for artificial intelligence, limiting consumer DRAM supply.